Firm offers update on Granite Run Mall plans

MIDDLETOWN — About a year after a conceptual plan for a dramatic transformation of the distressed Granite Run Mall was unveiled to council, an update on the proposal was presented at council’s meeting Monday night along with details of a successful mall rebirth project in Maryland completed by Granite Run’s new owner, Horsham-based BET Investments.

In contrast to the overflow audience at BET Investments’ initial presentation in September 2013 — following its purchase of the financially troubled 40-year-old mall for a reported $24 million — only a handful of residents were present to hear more about the proposed revitalization. Just as at the initial presentation, there were no negative comments.

The plan outlined by company president Michael Markman and project architect Drew Romanic of Marten Architects shows a mixed use retail/residential development on the 58-acre property. The mall’s existing three anchor stores — Boscov’s, Sears and JCPenney — would remain, with the upper level of Penney’s proposed for a 15-16 screen movie theater.

Also remaining would be the stand-alone Kohl’s, Acme and Sears Automotive facilities, as well as the PennDOT facility. However, the interior of the mall itself would be gutted. In its place would be an outdoor courtyard surrounded by upscale retail shops, sit-down restaurants with outdoor dining, green spaces, benches and other features to create a walkable “Towne Centre” concept.

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Also part of the proposed estimated $20 million project is a four-story, luxury apartment building on the former Chi-Chi’s restaurant site fronting Route 352 and another on the Oriole Avenue side of the mall property. Together, there would be 231 one-bedroom and 154 two-bedroom units, with an average monthly rent of about $1,500. Markman noted they’d include upscale amenities like concierge service, meeting and exercise rooms, pools, an Internet café and self-contained parking.

They would be marketed to empty nesters and young professionals with no children. Therefore, there would be little if any impact on Rose Tree Media School District..

“The apartments will help feed the retail, entertainment and restaurant components,” said Markman. “But they can’t be built without the retail component.”

As for the retail use, he said he and partner Bruce Toll are seeking higher end tenants.

“We’ve had discussions with Urban Outfitters, and all the fast, casual and sit-down restaurants are ready to come in. I could sign 15 leases tomorrow, but I want to be sure it’s the right mix,” he said, adding it’s hoped Peking Restaurant will be among the new tenants.

Project consultant David Babbitt emphasized that the mall’s rebirth is imperative. He pointed out that based on the current tax millage rate and the continuing decrease in Granite Run’s assessment, the township will lose $127,000 in tax revenue from the mall in 2015. There would be an even more significant loss to the school district and county.

Traffic expert Nicole Kline said PennDOT’s intended improvements to the Baltimore Pike/Route 352 intersection will have a positive effect on the proposed renewal project. Also, she said, the town center will generate no more traffic than when the mall was fully occupied.

Markman has stated it’s hoped the project can begin within the next year or two, adding that “it’s probably a two-year project from start to finish.” But before it can get under way, a zoning ordinance amendment is needed for residential use, noted project attorney Joseph Riper.